Ectemnius continuus

Ectemnius species are difficult to separate so care needs to be taken with identification. It has the familiar black and yellow colouring associated with this group.

Found in various habitats but perhaps most frequent where abundant supplies of dead wood and umbellifer flowers are available.

Early May to late September peaking in June, July and August.

They nest in wood, excavating tunnels with several cells which are then stocked with food (various flies and hoverflies) for the developing brood.

Widely distributed in Britain as far north as Fifeshire it is one of the most common Ectemnius species, especially in the south.

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland, though not well recorded in our area.